Comedian Ronnie Barker, one of Britain's best-loved TV personalities, has died aged 76.
The legendary star, who had long suffered from heart trouble, passed away in the company of loved ones. "His wife wanted everyone to know that he died at home peacefully," reported the BBC's Charlotte Hume.
Best known as one-half of the Two Ronnies, his hilarious double act with Ronnie Corbett, the writer-actor was born in Bedford, England, on September 25, 1929. He showed his versatility early on, getting his start in theatre, before moving on to radio and TV in the early 1960s. The much-loved funnyman, who had worked as a bank clerk and once trained as an architect, found his calling, becoming a TV favourite in such classic series as Porridge and Open All Hours.
Married to wife Joy since 1959, Ronnie was well-respected among both friends and colleagues. He was named the British Academy's best light entertainment performer three times during the Seventies, won an outstanding creative achievement award from the Royal Television Society in 1975 and was also the recipient of an OBE.
In 1988, he effectively retired from the world of show biz, but was tempted back to TV with a role in the Winston Churchill drama The Gathering Storm. He followed the movie with an appearance in My House In Umbria, and in 2004, the multifaceted comedian was honoured with a BAFTA lifetime achievement gong. Most recently, he reunited with comedy partner Ronnie Corbett for The Two Ronnies Sketchbook programme.
Ronnie is survived by wife Joy, three children and two grandchildren.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
